Lake Michigan Water Level
Illinois · updated daily from the U.S. Geological Survey
1.07 ft
Lake Michigan is below average for this time of year and steady (+0.09 ft in the last 7 days).
Change since yesterday: +0.07 ft
Reading as of 2026-08-14 · higher than 27% of August readings on record
Where Lake Michigan sits historically
Today's level compared with every reading in our 5.0-year record for this lake.
Since yesterday
+0.07 ft
7-day change
+0.09 ft
30-day change
+0.04 ft
1-year change
+0.61 ft
Last 30 days
Last 12 months
Full history (5.0 years)
Lake Michigan records and averages
| Current level | 1.07 ft |
|---|---|
| Record high | 2.61 ft (2021-10-25) |
| Record low | -1.51 ft (2025-12-20) |
| Average of all readings | 0.59 ft |
| Data span | 5.0 years (1,825 readings) |
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Michigan full right now?
As of 2026-08-14, Lake Michigan sits at 1.07 ft, which is below average for this time of year.Over the past 30 days the level has risen 0.04 ft.
What is the water level at Lake Michigan today?
The most recent reading is 1.07 ft (2026-08-14), sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey. Readings on this page refresh automatically as the agency publishes new data.
What is the highest Lake Michigan has ever been?
The highest level in our records is 2.61 ft on 2021-10-25. The lowest is -1.51 ft on 2025-12-20. Our record covers about 5.0 years of readings.
Is Lake Michigan low for this time of year?
Compared with every August in our records, the current level is higher than 27% of them — below average for this time of year. Seasonal comparison matters more than the raw number, because most reservoirs draw down predictably through late summer and refill over winter and spring.
Why is Lake Michigan changing right now?
Reservoir levels move for four main reasons: rainfall and runoff into the basin, releases through the dam for downstream water supply, power generation or flood control, evaporation during hot months, and seasonal drawdown schedules set by the operating agency. Lake Michigan has risen 0.04 ft over the past 30 days. For the operational reason on any given week, check the U.S. Geological Survey directly.
How much has Lake Michigan changed over the past year?
The level is +0.61 ft compared with this date last year (1.07 ft today). The full-history chart above covers 5.0 years, with a record high of 2.61 ft and a record low of -1.51 ft.
Nearby lakes in Illinois
Source: the U.S. Geological Survey. Readings are provisional and subject to revision by the publishing agency. All Illinois lake levels.